the real truth about polystyrene 031016 - foam facts · 2018. 3. 15. · people have a lot of...
TRANSCRIPT
People have a lot of misconceptions about polystyrene foam cups. Consumers and businesses frequently cite misleading facts about the polystyrene
production process, associated health concerns, disposal options and environmental impact. Polystyrene foam is a safe material that is recycled in locations
around the world. Learn the REAL TRUTH about polystyrene foam products.
healthfacts
the
realtruthabout polystyrene
Styrene is a naturally occurring substance, found in wheat, beef, coffee beans and cinnamon 3
Polystyrene’s safety profile is so strong that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reviewed the safety of polystyrene to be used in direct contact with foods and beverages – and for
50 years, has confirmed polystyrene to be safe for this use. 2
Beer and Cinnamon contain more styrene than the amount that migrates from foam cups 3
Styrene in Selected Foods and Polystyrene Foam Cup Migration
(Parts Per Billion) 5
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
Cinnamon Beer PS Foam Cups
Beef CoffeeBeans
Strawberries Peanuts Wheat
Over 127 Million pounds of foam was recycled in 2013! 4
Thats roughly the weight of:
282.2 Statue of Liberties
environmentalfacts
Recycled Polystyrene is used for products like park benches, picture frames and surf boards!
172.8 Boeing 747s 8.7 Eiffle Towers
On 3 continents!
With 65 curbside pick-up locations in California alone
Polystyrene foodservice products and block packaging materials are being recycled in locations around the world!
Plastic-coated paper cups WITH a cardboard sleeve create 379% more waste by weight 1
SOURCES[1] Franklin Associates, Ltd., Final Peer-Reviewed Report: Life Cycle Inventory of Polystyrene
Foam, Bleached Paperboard, and Corrugated Paper Foodservice Products (Prepared for the Polystyrene Packaging Council, March 2006), pp. 2-7, 2-23, 2-43, 2-60
[2] FDA’s Food Additive Regulation at 21 CFR 172.515
[3] Kelly Puente, Recyclable Foam Trays a Cure for Long Beach Schools’ Headache, Press-Telegram, May 19, 2011. available at http://www.presstelegram.com/ci_18100171?-source=rv
[4] EPS Industry Alliance 2013, Foam Recycling Rate Report. January, 2014.
[5] Lickly, T.D., et al., “Migration of styrene from polystyrene foam food contact articles,” Food and Chemical Toxicology, v. 33, pp. 475-481, 1995. The paper’s abstract may be found at http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/027869159500009Q
As you can see, the REAL TRUTH about polystyrene products is that they are a safe option that can be recycled where locations exist. Businesses
choose foam for their foodservice products because it is more economical and effective, while having a lower environmental impact than other options. Each and every day more communities are beginning to recycle foam around
the world and demand for recycled polystyrene continues to increase.
In 72 major centers and countless community programs across the US
visit
for more information on polystyrene products.
www. .comvisit
to learn more about bringing a foam recycing location to your community.
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